I’m a complete novice wanting to get into amateur radio and scanning. As far as the scanning side of things is concerned, my reading around the subject is pointing towards the UBC3500XLT. It appears this device has been around a few years now but it’s still available to buy. My question is, is this receiver still useful today? Is it reasonably future proof? I realise there are more things out there but these are beyond my £200 budget. Thank you, Peter

I dont think they make them anymore and to get a brand new one may be a bit of a job however they are many around that are second hand but are like new as some seem to give in on them due to the programming side being a bit tricky. Took me some time to sort mine. I would look for a second hand one or take a look at the UBC125. Lots around to still pick up depending on your area but alot are now making the switch to a Digital mode that you wont be able to hear any voice with the scanners above. Whats you area as other members may live near by and be able to tell you what you may hear local to you.

As stated earlier, if you're not that worried about the onward march of radio moving to digital (especially DMR) then I think the 3500 is a good option. I still have one and make good use of it. A digital scanner will cost you twice that, but if you're only going to monitor from home, then a £20 dongle with DSD+ software on a windows device will largely solve the digital problem.

You’ve confirmed what I suspected might be the case re the onward march of technology. TBH I feel £200 (or £189 from RadioWorld) is still quite a wedge if it’s being spent on something nearing the end of its usefulness. The UBC125XLT does seem to be well thought of from what I’ve read. I think i’ll take up the suggestion to begin with the 125 to get me up and running whilst saving my pennies for a digital receiver.

I’m from the West Yorkshire area under a busy flightpath in and out of LBA. I’ll be curious to hear what I can pick up. However, my main reason for the interest in the scanner is to use it at military shows, air shows and on coastal holidays.

Any suggestions regarding what’s good kit for when I make my first hand held digital purchase?

The 3500 has one feature that is omitted from some newer Uniden scanners. It lists systems in numerical order automatically, so you don't have to worry about finding things or re-arranging after you add a new system.You can makes things easier for yourself if you prefix the system name with it's Quick Key number.

I reserve the right to ignore people who have made no attempt to the read the manual, and expect others to do it for them.

I might live to regret this but as a zero knowledge newcomer I’ve put myself firmly at the bottom of a steep learning curve with a UBC3500XLT. I bought a pristine example from another forum member for barely more than the second hand 125 version. Flushed with the success of being capable of turning it on and off it’s onwards and upwards (I hope)